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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PR- 375-11
October 23, 2011

MAYOR BLOOMBERG PRESENTS PRIME MINISTER NETANYAHU WITH AN AMERICAN FLAG IN HONOR OF THE RELEASE OF SERGEANT GILAD SHALIT

High-resolution, Downloadable Photos Available on the Mayor's Office Flickr Page: http://www.flickr.com/photos/nycmayorsoffice/

The Following are Mayor Michael R. Bloomberg's Remarks as Delivered in Prime Minister Netanyahu's Home this Evening

"Mr. Prime Minister, it really is an honor to be a guest in your home, and a guest, once again, of the people of Israel.

"I think you all know that New Yorkers' admiration and support for Israel are strong and unshakeable. And we appreciate the powerful stresses that Gilad Shalit's long captivity placed on the Israeli people.

"In fact, it was my privilege to march with his parents in our city's Salute to Israel Parade two years ago.

"New Yorkers also admire what the nation's outpouring of feelings about Gilad's captivity and release say about Israel and about Israelis.

"I think it shows a solidarity that the foundation of the tough and the resiliency of Israel's national character.

"Mr. Prime Minster: I know very well that the easiest response in a crisis - or when faced with difficult choices - is to do nothing.  But that's not what governing is about. 

"And so you certainly have our admiration for shouldering the burdens of leadership and doing what you thought was necessary.

"And one of our congressmen, Gary Ackerman a Congressman from New York, had this American flag flown above our nation's capitol and asked me to present it to you, and if you would give it to the family perhaps, just a little symbol of the fact that American's appreciate what Israel is, what Israel stands for.

"And we also appreciate your willingness to lead and to serve the people. And I just wanted to say thank you to you and also I should- I'd be remiss if I didn't say thank you to your great mayor here in Jerusalem who visits me  in New York more times than you do, although good to be with you a couple weeks ago. And I do appreciate all his generosity and help and we- two big cities, Jerusalem and New York, for the big diverse cities similar problems and we work well together.

"So this is for you."







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Stu Loeser   (212) 788-2958



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